Aging...to be, or not to be...that is the question?

        We hear a lot about the aging population today. The percentages of how many more people of retirement age there will be, and how it will grow every year. Until, there are more old people, than young. (They say) Looking around me, and from information gleaned in the past, I can say with certainty, that it's not a walk in the park, this growing old business. I know too, because each year, as you do, I am getting older, being pushed towards the abyss too. To many peoples way of thinking, I am already 'over the hill', a virtual geriatric.  Which I refute, vehmanently, and will as long as I have breathe in my body.

        There is a saying, 'youth, is wasted on the young.' From what I have seen lately, I would say, life, is wasted on the old, at least, on those only going through the motions. Those with no interest, or opinion. No...even that isn't true. It a very difficult subject. How would you decide, which older people were getting something from life, and what right has anyone else to judge. Also, what age is old, older, too old? How to tell which were giving something? Perhaps, that's the measure, do they give anything back, in any way at all? Or, are they just breathing, and opting out of the rest. Not really living any more. Not just mouldering away, stacked away somewhere?

         An inflammatory statement isn't it. One I probably would not broach beyond a close circle of friends. For fear of being though unfeeling, in favour of uthenasia, or into mass genocide of anyone already retired. Of course I am not any of those things. I might even wish I could somehow do something, think of something to improve their life. However, it is not politically correct anymore is it. Nothing faintly politically incorrect must pass your lips. Think what you like, but say nothing! 

       I know there are many people like me, who intend to make the most of every day. I also know, there are just as many, who through illness, dementia, whatever, who have no choice but opt out of many aspects of life. I have some very good friends, who are retired, and  active. Who are interesting, and interested. Who care about others, and who show concern for others.

          Far too many though, care nothing for no one, show no interest in anyone. Even though they are capable  of doing so. Why some, I know, and have seen, barely make eye contact, with anyone. whats that all about? People who are completely wrapped up in themselves. Mmmm. Perhaps though, they always were. It may not be something which, developed, it may be something that always was. It's only a natural continuation of who they are! Well, you can't change characters, just because you get old can you?

            I guess the same applies to any person, whatever age. If you are young, or old, shouldn't you put some effort into being sociable. Especially if people, either friends, or family visit you. It is acceptable to sit, and ignore everyone. To ignore their efforts to please you, to engage you, to make you comfortable. No, I don't think so. Does a smile, or a few words become impossible as you age? Is it acceptable to sit, like a pudding. As if there is no one else in the room with you. To switch off so completely from those around you, that you don't even hear their words to you. Really, what you are telling your kind, and solicitous visitors, and friends, they might as well go home. As you don't care whether they are there. or not.

             Common courtesy, and good manners surely dictate that you interact. That you notice the trouble friends, or family are going to. Only in order mostly, to make your life better. Perhaps in order to show you they care. This selfish, and undemonstrative part of the ageing population ought to count themselves lucky that don't sit alone, and forgotten.

           If they don't show they care, they could well end up by being exactly in that situation. A thank you, for your concern. Or a few words of appreciation for your trouble, would, I know be greatly appreciated.

           Political correctness be damned! Let's have some honesty, and some real exchanges. Even if you, as the person cutting themselves off say,'get lost, leave me alone'. Before the visitors, and the family members say 'Adue, and mean goodbye for ever!

          Political correctness, has now bitten the wonderful singer/songwriter, James Arthur on the bum too, as it well might bite me, after I publish this. James, who had the temerity to call someone a queer.... Something, In a song. Is is now losing fans. Can these really be the same fans who put up with every profanity known to man in rapping songs. The most awful sexual connotations, and instructions go on, things that make me cringe. Isn't that sexual harassment? It is to me!

           Let's drop a bit of this watching every word we say, and put more effort into being nice people.

          Because as far a I can see, these rules, are only another form of control. A taking away of the freedom of speech. It has gone too far.

       In the meantime. See, and be seen, speak, and be heard. No man is an island....

      For gods sakes, notice your visitors, and those trying to help you...